How did you balance your school & work life?

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I'm currently trying to decide whether to go for a BSN in nursing or get an advanced business degree. The only sticking point for me on going for nursing is the fact that I keep reading that it is almost impossible to work full time while going to school. I live on my own, have to go to a local university, and I need to work full time for economic reasons. It will take roughly three years for me to finish my BSN, so I am worried as to whether or not I can even do this financially. I don't want to look back 20 years from now and regret not going for a great career in nursing because of the all mighty dollar.

With that being said, I was hoping to get some advice from RN's who had been through this (successfully) before. How did you personally juggle this balancing act between work and school while still managing to pay the bills?

Thank you for your help as well as any and all replies, as I will be meeting with an advisor later next week.

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I would suggest looking for alternative ways to finance you education. Take on a roomate, get student loans, apply for scholarships.

I too thought I couldn't leave my full-time, good paying job to go to school. But I'm doing it. I am taking out student loans and working 8-16 hours per week next semester.

I would think holding down a full time job and full time nursing courses would be impossible. There is just too much information to retain.

Good luck to you!

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I am trying to figure this one out too. I currently work in nursing full-time and wonder if I can work part-time at my job and go to school. I am trying to pay off bills before heading back. I really love the floor I work and don't want to give up my position. I am so torn.

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Specializes in Emergency medicine.

I am going to school and working three 12's fri. sat. and sun. nights. This is not easy but it works. Between 0500 friday morning and 2200 monday evining I average 12 to 15 hrs sleep.

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I utilized family and got student loans. I ruffly got 3 hours of sleep per night and there were times that I wanted to quit, but I would look at my 3 month old and say that this is towards a better life for us. My son and I stayed in three different residences and I was practically living out of a suit case in my car. My hair was falling out and I had nose bleeds everyday because of the stress from school, lack of sleep, and being a new mom. If you want something bad enough, then you will find a way.

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how do i??? The main things is God and I want better for my family... I work full time and go to school full time.. I have been doing it for a year I will be finish in August 09 with my RN. The fact that I want better for my children and I want to be a nurse keeps me going. I eat, sleep, and drink nursing.. I'm the first person awake and the last person to go to sleep in my home. I just make a schedule and stick to it. As far as school anything that is written or type I complete that first because you tend to forget about written work and concentrate on studying. I study at an opportunity I get work, dance practice, or son football practice. The main thing is I pray and make time for me. Good Luck... :heartbeat

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I worked full time while in nursing school. It may not be the ideal way to go, but it is indeed very possible. You just do what you have to do.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

I worked full time in nursing school, studied full time, and even manage to party to a shamefull degree in nursing school. A great episode in my life.

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Specializes in Home Health.

I worked a full 40 hour week while going to nursing school. I went to a school though that offered an evening/weekend program. So I would work during the weekdays, have class 3 nights a week and my clinicals every other weekend. It took 2 years rather than the 1 year to get my LPN. It worked great for me. Its not for everyone though because of the length of time it took. I am going back in June to do the same thing for my RN, it will just take twice as long.

It was very difficult time wise to fit studying in because I also have a child who was 4 when I began school. But I've figured out if you want something bad enough you can make it work. I struggled at times, but it made me work harder and I did it!

Good luck!!!!

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Specializes in STICU/NICU/CCU/ER.

It is possible, I am currently working full time and going to grad school full time and teach clinicals as well. You just need to maintain a balance and work your schedule so you have time to recuperate. Also make sure on your off days to take an hour or 2 for just some "me" time. it is possible, I am a single parent and it just takes some delicate balancing. I have 15 months left, not easy bet definately possible. Good Luck for whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I guess I was lucky. I worked full time while getting all my degrees, and my employers helped with tuition. As for the "how", I focused on what was in front of me. I did not think about school while at work or vice versa. Also, there were personal sacrifices. No shopping or traveling or new car or ----. BUT, when I did play, I was strictly focused on having fun. The key is to prioritize.

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Specializes in acute care.

I worked PT during my first semester, but it was an office job and my boss didn't mind me studying during down time. My schedule next semester is not as good as it was last semester, so my hours may have to be cut down some more. I'm hoping to find a job where I can work just the weekends.

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